Doctor Slump (2024)

Dumped the slump

The best I can do for my mental health right now is to drop this kdrama. This comes from someone diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder since 17 years of age.

I shouldn't have picked it up. I don't enjoy this writer's dramas. I will stop trying, not matter how much I like the cast. It's not worth it.
The writer hasn't learnt anything since secretary Kim when she suggested wine to fight insomnia and/or didn't do her research.

I do understand Asian culture has intricacies that I might not totally appreciate or understand but they seem detrimental no matter what part of worldly society we're talking about.
Depression is, for sure, a real illness just like breaking a leg but its treatment isn't as straightforward. Depression is not something you work on like dieting to get a "summer body" (which is also problematic). It doesn't have a schedule and it's not a race to the top. It's more like a hurdles race in the middle of the forest with no signs or GPS, at night and alone and without a prize at the end.

Generically calling it depression when she seems to have a burn out from overwork and lack of rest and PTSD from the accident doesn't seem quite right but I'm not a doctor. Her psychiatrist also doesn't seem like one. I never saw a psychiatrist as smiley as that one. It was scary.

South Korea has a problem with work hours, making their workforce work the regular 40 hours plus 12 hours of overtime which amounts to 52 weekly work hours. And their government keeps wanting to increase them.
Dramas are, ultimately, a comment on society. If you're not accurately commenting or trying to breakdown society's problems, you're probably amounting to them.

If a drama doesn't intend to do social commentary, it should at least be entertaining. I wasn't entertained. Everyone turns out annoying. There's only so much bickering and immaturity one can handle.
There wasn't even romance. There's a limit to how many "I like you but I'm not ready, I'll only be ready for love once I'm not broken" one can handle. Most human beings are indeed "broken" and even "broken" people deserve love.
There was no romance, no chemistry, no humour. I won't be watching any more dramas by this writer. They're obviously not my thing.

p.s. don't drink alcohol to fight insomnia, alcohol is a stimulant and it will do you more harm than good, especially in the long-term. also, don't drink alcohol while taking medication, especially ones for a mental illness.

p.s.s. if you're struggling with depression, ask for help if you can. Also look around you to find out the root cause. It could be your brain chemistry fight against you or it could have another cause. Many times, it can also be a symptom of the capitalist society in which we're forced to participate. Taking meds when your brain is not ok is absolutely acceptable and fundamental but don't forget to get therapy as well.

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Everything and nothing

I’m usually not writing reviews, but this this is the first drama that I decided to watch until the end, even though it started to be boring much earlier.

“-“:
- Yes, the drama had good introduction to the topic of depression. But as a person with depression, I was kinda LOL when it ended with the fact that they both went for help, got the pills and that’s it ?? Thank you, but that’s not how it works, especially with all the things they went through

- Storyline - the mystery was cool, but it was resolved so quickly that I just got bored later. The part of forgiveness was raised through so many episodes and cliche enough, they took it seriously only when it was life-death situation. Also, I feel like, because they had too many episodes to fill in, they were putting some random fillers, and fillers are fine but half of this drama felt like a filler episode

- Acting was not bad, but somehow the main couple irritated hell out of me. Rest of characters were funny, but not felt too much. Main was just… unbearable at few points

“+”:
- The beginning was good, it caught my attention very quickly which is not common, but like I said, I wish it could lasted longer

- As mentioned - topic of depression was introduced quite well

- Characters besides the main couple - I enjoyed their interactions very much, they were cute and funny

In the end, I wish they would make it 8 or maximum of 12 episodes - I do believe it would feel much better this way. I feel the story was dragged too much and I was just getting bored and irritated with it. It had good potential, but it was lost along the way.

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Sometimes opposites shouldn't attract.

By episode 12 my interest had waned, by episode 14 I felt like I was slogging through the end with just the determination to want to mark it as completed.

I was quite surprised when some of the giant issues were resolved by episode 6, and I thought what now? What are they going to do now we've run out of plot. And that was the case.

They had Park Hyung Shik really lean into his cuteness, reminiscent of his character from Strong Girl. Park Shin Hye's character is so straight laced and unemotional it feels like it's wasted on her. And she rarely reciprocates, he was always chasing after her for one crumb of affection. It didn't work and felt unbelievable.
Personally I've never seen Park Shin Hye in a role that wasn't the same as all her other roles. And this was no different. Park Hyung Shik did have some very emotionally dramatic moments even an ugly cry, but a lot of it was just a compilation of roles that we've already seen him play. However he's fun to watch, I felt like he was carrying the entire drama except for some of the supporting cast members.

The actor that played her little brother was interesting, he was a little bit of a scoundrel and yet he had a lot of redeeming qualities. The doctor that ends up with her friend was so awkward in a Dad joke way. In America single parents abound, but I know it's a little bit more of an issue in Korea so I was glad they portrayed that.

This drama lost all momentum in the end. I loved the original underlying message of working through mental illness, how they took medicine and went to therapy, they got help and they worked on themselves and their issues. That was a great precedent. It feels like there's been a lot more dramas focusing on mental health, and given the high suicide rates in Korea I think that is a very good thing for them to delve into to hopefully encourage people to get help. So the message of that I liked and supported, but this as a whole was very underwhelming

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A much known story served in a new glass

Min Min has paired with Eun Sang finally after a long period of 10 years. for this medical drama. The biggest element of this medical fiasco is, it is not revolving around patients and hospitals. It focuses more on life of people behind the white coat and their struggle.
Jeong Woo, a successful plastic surgeon has faced jeopardy in his career as a patient dies in his hand at the operation table. To save money and pay off the huge debt that has been piling up. And he meets his arch-nemesis as he returns to Busan.

There is a certain charm in love stories which encompasses the journey of childhood friends to lovers. The director wanted to use the old storytelling style here to draw the attention of the audience. As Jeon Woo and Ha Neul are against each other. during school days, their hearts fell as they met again in their thirties. School scenes are quite beautiful and warm. Ha Neul who is struggling with her depression is the only support that keeps Jeon Woo going in his hard time. Isn't that too cliche...
Park Hyun Sik and Park Shin Hye could not stir up the interest of the audience. Neither their romance nor their jealousy was worthy to put a big smile on parting lips. They tried to look convincing but the chemistry of Hyun Sik with Park Bo Young still tops the chart. Yong Park and Kong Seong Ha could have performed better if the director had given them better screen space. They deserve a story together. Their short story was better than the leads themselves.

The story offers not a single surprise element. Every twist can be easily guessed. Even the moment of Jeong Woo falling for Ha Neul is not that sweet. Oh Hyun Jong who made an epic Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo failed in putting hearts in our eyes.
Other than a few scenes, the story is like rewatching an old drama of 2016 in a new case.

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Too little depression in a show about depression

As a drama about trauma and healing there are far too little conversations with psychotherapist and far too much accidental overhearing, eavesdropping, retelling and etc. (there must be some ethical boundaries, that were crossed multiple times?). Please tell the writers that there are other ways to move the plot forward!!!

As for the Depression - it is a very ugly illness, and yes it varies from person to person, but I (personally) just feel from the writing and FL "a bit depressed" vibes and "it will pass" thinking. Bish, no it won't! Not until you'll take it seriously.
I would've loved if the writers would have digged deeper and looked into darker corners of this illness.

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Intriguing at first but boring in the the ending

I watched the first ten episodes continesely and I honestly enjoyed them the chemistry between the cast and the story was going in a kinda smooth way and I appreciate the fact that they changed the standard specialities that are repeated in other dramas and chose anesthesiology and plastic surgery and even though it's not maily a medical drama but they should've at least put some effort in the scenes that require some medical knowledge the cast didn't act well in them too especially in surgery scenes (maybe Dr. Romantic and hospital playlist brought my expectation so high but even without watching them anyone can notice that they didn't put even the slightest effort in those scenes
BUT after ep11 the fast forward botton got exhausted, I mean episode after episode it just got more boring the writer did all kinds of clichés to fill in the blank they should've at least brought up another problem not only small problems that couples got through in their normal life (they didn't even fight) especially the last 2 eps that I must've spent about 20min at most in each of them.
If this drama had 12ep only I would've given it 10 in ratings but it's still watchable
If you can resist watching those kinds of scenes then you'll like it
You'll probably find this review messy like my brain rn cuz I said what came to my miknd without putting in much effort
Hope you enjoy watching this drama tho

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Imperfectly perfect - this drama gave me all the right feels

This drama took me on a journey with its main characters - a hard working anesthesiologist just grinding it out every single day so she can finally find happiness at the end of it all, and a happy-go-lucky plastic surgeon who is naturally inclined to seeing the silver lining in everything, both find themselves in a deep slump. As the story progresses, they start with the quintessential question “why me?”, but eventually learn to accept their situation, to lean onto each other and to find comfort in the smaller things… and in each other and others who love and support them.

The story was full of warmth, laughs, tears, healing and comfort. I thoroughly enjoyed how the characters expressed themselves and interacted with each other. It was like watching your friends struggle, but they also learn to balance themselves. There is individuality in how they deal with emotions and respond to a situation, but there are also moments when they learn to put themselves in others’ shoes and understand their perspectives. And this only helps them heal, grow, and find themselves beyond their circumstances in life.

Ultimately, this is a K-drama, so yes, there are tropes. But the honesty of the characters and their commitment to getting better (overcoming their depression/trauma) and being there for each other, makes this drama relatable and wholesome. I only wish I could see more of their journey… it’s left me wanting more, in the best way possible.

The story, the acting, the direction, screenplay and chemistry between the characters (not just the lead couple, but the second leads, the family, everyone was great!) makes this a solid 10/10 drama for me overall. Kudos to the cast and crew! :)

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From a neutral point the least you can give this show is 7 ie if you like romcom

You see it was not like other dramas… it was a rom com in the literal sense. And I admire it for it

It had a good blend of suspense, romance and understanding. Though the suspense was ended slightly earlier to incorporate romance it still was nicely played out.

The story for me was more like an anime rom com than a kdrama and for those who like suspense and problems other than sweet romance it may seem like a let down. But that’s okay Park Hyung Sik’s cuteness is enough to watch the show till the end.

One main thing that I liked most about this show is how their mental state was not ignored like Ha Nuel was depressed and it was visible in her actions. Some forget to take it into consideration while writing the story, but they didn’t. People may be annoyed when Ha Neul didn’t open up about her past but understand she had Depression… as someone who has went through it I guess I admire it more.

The acting and music are great and so is story, for me the pacing was nice but some might find it slow or weird so if you watch it the least you will give is 7 that is if you like a romance where their are no relationship problems just a couple with overflowing sweetness.

I would say it is a must watch

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Doctor Slump: Gets you out of the slump you've been in!!!

To all the future viewers, this drama has been an incredibly heartwarming experience for me, akin to the warmth of the sun on winter days. It has served as a healing journey for both the characters and myself.

Rest assured, you will find a little bit of everything you desire in this drama, be it the intense reactions of Park Hyung Sik or the exceptional acting skills of Park Shin Hye. Throughout this entire journey, you will experience a range of emotions, including happiness, sadness, anger, and laughter, as you form a deep connection with these characters.

The OSTs are truly remarkable, and it's not just the main leads who deliver outstanding performances, but also the supporting cast. The story not only revolves around the main characters but also explores the lives of those around them.

While the plot does contain elements of mystery and hardship, it may be somewhat predictable. Nevertheless, this drama has been an extraordinary experience for me, surpassing all expectations.

I am deeply saddened by the thought of bidding farewell to these characters. The absence of a new episode next weekend will undoubtedly leave a profound impact on me, and I anticipate being an emotional wreck.

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A Boring RomCom That Glorifies The Medical Profession

If you know any doctors, or know anyone in the medical profession in Korea, than you'd know that this show is completely unrealistic. The majority of doctors in korea are elites or well off, and what awaits them is a life thats far better than the majority of the population after the first few years of training.

Back to the show, this show is a romcom that uses the hope that doctors sacrifices themselves to do the best for their patients and creates 2 characters that have some kind of trauma., and have them bond through the trauma.

The show has it's moments with the romance, but the majority of the show is a slump and it's very slow. Many of the highlights of the show are emotional as you're emotionally blackmailed to feel like you can understand what the MC is going through.

The drama is a really slow burn and nothing can really make it better unless you really like the genre, and sadly most of the korean drama watchers adore the melodrama.

I guess the rich can cry in a Ferrari and make you feel sad for them, instead of using that money to go to therapy.

Also don't forget that right now, doctors are on strike against Korea accepting more medical students, letting patients and emergency patients die or get worse as they strike.
This isn't a strike against low pay or long hours, but that they want the numbers of doctors graduating from university in Korea to not increase. This just shows how elitist the profession itself is despite the grueling first few years.

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